Reps move to make voting compulsory for all Nigerians

By Christiana Ekpa

A Bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

The Bill, jointly sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Daniel Ago, was presented during Thursday’s plenary.

While leading the debate, Ago explained that the legislation aims to boost citizens’ participation in elections, arguing that it could help reduce voter apathy if it successfully passes all legislative stages.

However, Mark Esset, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party representing Akwa Ibom State, expressed reservations.

He argued that merely mandating citizens to vote would not be sufficient to reform the electoral system.

“We shouldn’t build on a shaky foundation,” Esset stated.

“Many Nigerians abstain from voting because they doubt the credibility of the process. If we’re going to make voting compulsory, we must also ensure that people believe their votes truly count,” he added.Speaker of the House, Rajudeen Abbas, announced this on the floor of the House during plenary yesterday.

A letter from the defectors was read by the Speaker.

The defectors cited the lingering internal crisis and unresolved issues within the PDP as the major reasons behind their decision to leave the party.

They further stated that the instability within the PDP has made it difficult to effectively serve their constituents and align with progressive governance.

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, in a show of solidarity and support, was present in the chamber to witness the lawmakers’ formal defection to the APC.mmemorate Workers Day.

He said this year’s theme was shows the link between a harmonious society and sustainable economic progress.

He said: On this auspicious occasion of Workers’ Day 2025, I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating the invaluable contributions of Nigerian workers to the growth and development of our great nation.

“This year’s theme, “Striving for Peace and Stability to Drive Industrialisation, Trade, and Decent Work for Social Justice”, underscores the critical link between a harmonious society and sustainable economic progress.”